The humble stranger took a book down from the shelf, and made Van Systens a sign to commence the examination forthwith.
Van Systens, likewise at the invitation of the young man in the violet coat, sat down in his turn, and, quite happy and proud of the importance thus cast upon him, began,—
“My child, you promise to tell me the truth and the entire truth concerning this tulip?”
“I promise.”
“Well, then, speak before this gentleman; this gentleman is one of the members of the Horticultural Society.”
“What am I to tell you, sir,” said Rosa, “beside that which I have told you already.”
“Well, then, what is it?”
“I repeat the question I have addressed to you before.”
“Which?”
“That you will order Mynheer Boxtel to come here with his tulip. If I do not recognise it as mine I will frankly tell it; but if I do recognise it I will reclaim it, even if I go before his Highness the Stadtholder himself, with my proofs in my hands.”